Google to sell Nexus One, a 'super' mobile phone

exciting news not imppressed at all

i'm dubious about google moving into hardware. with them with the software, though

No GSM in Japan, no google phone for Japan.

Sorry google, but none of the US reviews I've read have called it "super." All in all it is going to give Apple some competition but it is still an inferior device. Yawn. And $529 for an HTC phone? Puhhleeeeze...

Like I told the other posters on here.The iphone rules! There isn't anything out, as of yet, to equally compete with it. They top tier universities offering classes in programming for iphone apps.

I have a Google phone already. It's Docomo's HT-03a. I'm typing this post on it. It's a really great phone that I'd recommend to anyone.

There's one major problem with the iPhone in Japan and that's network coverage. Softbank's coverage isvery poor... frequent cut-offs and poor reception.

People complain about Docomo but at least the connection is generally rock solid.

If you are after a much cheaper alternative to the iPhone in Japan certainly have a look at the HT-03a.

looked at the website, looks nice. but the memo that says "Not available in your area" is a joke.

imacat: Was going to go one but it had the onscreen keyboard only, didn't want to go with blackberry docomo bceause their data plans are seriously bad. Ended up with an iphone because at least it had a userbase, would love to get a physical keyboard for my phone.

biglittleman

"The iphone rules! There isn't anything out, as of yet, to equally compete with it."

Not in Japan it doesn't. Softbanks's coverage anywhere outside of metropolitcan areass really sucks. I entertained switching from Docomo to Softbank so I can try the iPhone but didn't because too many current Softbank users I talked to complained about poor network coverage. I don't care how great the harware is, if you can't use it to even make a phone call when you want to it's junk. I, like imacat, went with Docomo's Google phone and absolutely love it. I really like it's smaller/thinner size and better camera. Sorry but I've had to tolerate one too manny iPhone tools showing off their stupid apps that they'll never acutally use or need.

@gogogo: I was tempted by Docomo's Blackberry too, but in the end I felt it was too big and too business for me.

I mean the iPhone is obviously brilliant but for me I just can't stomach signing up with Softbank. I think if you google softbanksucks you can find an amusing blog about it.

Also the poor Softbank network coverage really puts me off iPhone in Japan.

@USNinJapan2:

So true... I've seen so many guys flashing around their iPhones in bars in Tokyo that it's become a cliche.

People just roll their eyes now as these iPhone charisma men show off another useless app... but my eye is always straying to the iPhone's network signal bars... oh look... 1 bar again... oh wait, damn, kengai...

The Nexus One (cheesy name) ships with only a 4GB Micro SD card. Not enough, but Google probably thinks their customers will store everything in the cloud.

The interface is quite ugly and the phone has no multitouch. Can't find any environmental specs on it whereas Apple has switched to recyclables and has phased out many of the harmful chemicals.

Anyways, I can't afford a "superphone". I use an iPod touch, which runs the iPhone OS. With all new media, most of what's available is mediocre and the App Store is no exception. I have a few excellent apps, such as the Japanese app by codefromtokyo, and that's all I need.

If you are after a much cheaper alternative to the iPhone in Japan certainly have a look at the HT-03a.

How much did you pay up front for the HT-03a? And how much are you paying monthly for the phone, if any? I'm thinking of switching to Docomo when they get the Sharp Android and I'm trying to get an idea of docomo's costs.

With these smart phones the network speed and costs is very important. Original iPhone 2G/Edge (2+ years ago, $55 a month) -got a poor signal at home so couldn't really use it there. With a 3G iPhone ($65 a month) the signal went to 5 bars at home (full) so I can use it for the Internet almost anywhere except in fairly rural areas, GPS is also much better.

Refurb (actually new!) iPhone 3G cost me $50 + 2yr contract at $65 a month. For $10 more much better all the way around. Without the network and unlimited data contracts I would not do it however. -Wait until they are able to upgrade their networks and offer unlimited data plans. ---> If I lived in a 3G area or better I think they are usuable and worth it. Pressure is on the networks to upgrade -took the U.S. about 2yrs and now the system is pretty good = smart phones are the standard now.

US$ 529 for something I can comfortably live without?? No, thank you, sir. People may complain, but Apple gadgets really rule. I can't see someone choosing Nexus over Iphone. Perhaps Nexus next generations will make it worth, but right now it's just junk.

You can "tether" your iPhone (or any WiFi, BlueTooth Cell) to your computer etc also. =Good for single people that have good 3G access and want to save on direct home Internet, laptop data card etc.

Note: AT&T doesn't want you to do this. http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10265889-233.html

Docomo HT03A is a sweet phone, 30000yen c.f 60,000yen for the new J-models. Iphone is definitely a nice phone and I would have got one if they had come to docomo, shame NTT wouldnt cave into to Apples demands. Android phones will only get better and soon will be the default OS for smartphones. As far as the nexus goes, Google havent realy branched into hardware, they subcontracted that out to HTC, they just made what they thought was the best design to optimize Android. Only ships with 4GB? so what, get your own 16 or 32 gb card, they cost peanuts these days. You can also change the battery and sim card easily, the camera is much better. One issue though is the music player still is clunky on the nexus as ohter android phones, they gotta fix that up.

I have a Nexus on the way from the US, it supports 2100mhz 3g (UTMS) so should work in Japan. I have the HT-03a currently and although good, the Nexus will be very good. Taking a bit of a leap that I can get it running but should be straight forward coming from the HT-03a.

Advantage of being unlocked, whilst paying more upfront, is that I can use any SIM in it. I will be on Docomo's network here where I get the best coverage, and can use local provider SIMs when I travel rather than roaming.

The Google Android / Gmail / Google apps tie in is very, very effective and the HT-03a - aka Magic is already very good. Docomo's data plans are more expensive than Softbank's (almost ¥6000 is the cost cap for Biz Hodai Double) which is about 9MB I think. After that you don't pay more.

If the Nexus works here (hey it is only a $529 bet) then I will be a very happy camper!

hey wibble, let me know how you get on with the nexus on Docomo!!

I also have the ht03a, someone asked how much up front? I paid 14000Y including a sd card.

Regarding softbank Vs Docomo charges. Yes docomos bizhodai is a fraction more expensive, but you can use any of the calling plans, which can be really cheap. I get 300minutes a month to any line at any time for about 4000yen. With softbank, you are trapped with only the whte plans, which are the most expensive unless you only call other softbank lines. I don't know about the hardcore keitai otaku, but I dont choose my friends based on thier cell carrier.